Age-dependent spatial memory loss can be partially restored by immune activation.
Rejuvenation Res
; 11(5): 903-13, 2008 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18803478
ABSTRACT
Aging is often associated with a decline in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. Here, we show that functional cell-mediated immunity is required for the maintenance of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. Sudden imposition of immune compromise in young mice caused spatial memory impairment, whereas immune reconstitution reversed memory deficit in immune-deficient mice. Analysis of hippocampal gene expression suggested that immune-dependent spatial memory performance was associated with the expression of insulin-like growth factor (Igf1) and of genes encoding proteins related to presynaptic activity (Syt10, Cplx2). We further showed that memory loss in aged mice could be attributed to age-related attenuation of the immune response and could be reversed by immune system activation. Homeostatic-driven proliferation of lymphocytes, which expands the existing T cell repertoire, restored spatial memory deficits in aged mice. Thus, our results identify a novel function of the immune system in the maintenance of spatial memory and suggest an original approach for arresting or reversing age-associated memory loss.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Aging
/
Memory Disorders
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Rejuvenation Res
Journal subject:
FISIOLOGIA
/
GERIATRIA
Year:
2008
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Israel